Dubai’s flagship airline, Emirates, has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dar es Salaam until November 4 due to ongoing civil unrest in Tanzania’s biggest city, which is also a top spot for tourists. The airline, headquartered in Dubai, cancelled 10 flights, five in each direction, starting October 31, with the suspension potentially stretching beyond the announced date if the situation on the ground doesn’t improve.
“Right now, we’re keeping a close watch on things,” Emirates shared in an advisory. “We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you.” Flights affected include EK725 from Dubai to Dar es Salaam and the return flight EK726, both popular with UAE travellers heading to Tanzania’s beaches, safaris, and the beautiful Zanzibar islands.
Emirates has also told passengers with connections to Dar es Salaam through Dubai not to start their journeys for now, as future travel depends on how the situation develops. In other words, if you’re planning to visit Tanzania via Emirates, keep an eye out for further updates; the suspension could last longer.
Have flights booked? The airline suggests reaching out to your travel agent for new arrangements or contacting Emirates’ customer service if you booked directly. They also ask everyone to check and update their contact info under Manage Your Booking so you’re always in the loop about changes.
Dar es Salaam isn’t just a tourism hotspot; it’s an important gateway for both business and leisure travel from the Gulf, with strong UAE-Tanzania trade ties. The city has recently seen protests, sparked by the exclusion of two major candidates from the presidential race and what many demonstrators say is increasing government repression, according to news reports.
Meanwhile, there’s good news for travellers eyeing Madagascar. Emirates has resumed flights to Antananarivo after a temporary pause. Starting October 23, flights EK707/708 are back in the schedule, signalling that the political climate there is stable enough for regular travel again. Passengers heading to Madagascar are now welcome to book as usual.
For travellers in the region, staying updated on flight schedules and local conditions is essential. Emirates continues to adapt its operations based on daily developments, prioritising passenger safety and flexibility.
